Krop AI, founded by Calvin Aranha and Farish Anfal, is transforming the agricultural landscape with their innovative use of artificial intelligence (AI) in hydroponic farming. This startup, based in Udupi, Karnataka, aims to enhance crop quality, production efficiency, and profitability for farmers.
Addressing the Challenges of Traditional Farming
Traditional farming methods have long been plagued by reliance on unpredictable weather, depleting soil fertility, and expensive pesticides. Farmers often find themselves in a debt trap. Due to crop losses caused by unseasonal rains, hailstorms, and decreasing soil fertility. Krop AI is tackling these challenges head-on by integrating AI into their hydroponic farms.
Vertical Farming with AI
Krop AI is growing unique crops using AI in their vertical farm in Brahmavara, Karnataka. The crops include likes of lettuce, basil, kale, and parsley. The startup’s founders, met while studying engineering at the Mangalore Institute of Technology and Engineering (MITE) in Moodabidri. After completing their studies, they decided to revolutionize farming practices by leveraging their expertise in technology.
Reducing Operational Costs with AI-Enabled Hydroponics
Krop AI’s AI-enabled hydroponic farming method offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional polyhouse farming. By integrating advanced technology and automation, they aim to boost farmers’ income and resilience against climate fluctuations. The system maintains crucial parameters such as temperature, humidity, pH, and water conductivity to provide an ideal environment for plant growth.
Patented Technology for Precise Control
Krop AI has developed its own patented 3D pipes to grow crops vertically, allowing precise control of environmental variables like light spectrum and temperature. The startup uses special spectrum lights that mimic sunlight but emit the exact wavelengths required for plant photosynthesis.
Significant Water and Cost Savings
Compared to traditional farming methods, Krop AI’s AI-enabled hydroponic farming saves 95% of water, as it is reused in the setup. This not only makes farming more sustainable but also brings operational costs down by 50%.
“If it costs Rs 800 to grow a kilo of strawberries in vertical farming, farmers would only incur about Rs 300 to grow the same crop using AI-enabled hydroponics.” ~ Farish Anfal explains.
Scaling Up and Reaching Small and Medium Growers
Krop AI is currently building farm setups for retail giants and integrating technology to grow produce at an affordable and commercial scale. Their setup costs Rs 5 lakh and has the capacity to grow 500 lettuce plants. So far, they have built farms for about 10 agri-entrepreneurs and companies.
Recognitions and Achievements
Krop AI has gained attention for its new ideas. The startup won the Karnataka Government’s Idea2POC/Elevate/2023 grant in the biotech sector. It is currently being supported by the AIC Nitte incubation centre under the Startup India scheme. In 2022, Calvin and Farish made a revenue of Rs 50 lakh with a 40% profit from making farm stations.
The Future of Farming with Krop AI
“Our plants grow without sun and soil and without compromising the taste. We are glad that within two years, we have not only been able to work on our patented technology but also revolutionised farming solutions for farmers. We hope to scale up the work and reach small and medium income growers so that they can benefit from our technology.” ~ Farish Anfal emphasizes
Krop AI’s technology lets crops grow indoors. It doesn’t need perfect weather or soil. Krop AI uses AI in hydroponic farming, this innovation can change farming, making it more sustainable and cost-effective for farmers. The company uses advanced technology and automation. This means that machines help with farming tasks. Krop AI wants to improve crop quality, production efficiency, and profitability. This will help the agricultural sector grow and become stronger.
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All photos: Krop AI
